How to make a dream catcher

 

By: Sadie Raddatz

Dream catchers are a product of the Native Americans who inhabited this country before Europeans and other foreign cultures came into play. According to dream-catchers.org, lore states that when dream catchers are hung by your bed, swinging freely, they catch the dreams, good or bad. The good dreams know how to pass through. However, bad dreams, or nightmares, do not know how to pass through; they get tangled and perish with the first light of the new day.

Let’s be honest, dream catchers have always been cool. Even with their eccentric design and mystic powers, dream catchers are actually very easy to make, as long as you know what you are doing, that is. Here are step-by-step directions to help you on your journey to make one.

Materials: A rattan hoop, feathers, beads, thread, scissors and craft glue.

Step 1: Cover the hoop.

According to www.crafts.tutsplus.com , take the string or yarn you have selected and use craft glue and glue down the start of the yarn or string. Then circle it around the rattan hoop. None of the actual hoop should be showing, so make it tight and close.

Step 2: Making the Net.

1.      Start by taking one end of the string or yarn and tying it into a knot. Work that sting clockwise and every few inches make another knot. Make sure that as you are going around the hoop that the knots are evenly spread apart. Continue until you reach the beginning.

2.      Wikihow says the next step is to take the end of the string and weave it under the loop created between the first and second looped peaks.

3.      Then, make a “hitch” by using the thread to make a loop over the loose string. After making the first hitch, make another hitch at the thread between the second and third knots.

4.      Continue weaving the thread in this manner until you’ve made a hitch at the thread between every knot.

5.      Each hitch should fall at the exact midpoint of the thread between the knots. As you weave, pull the thread snug, but not too tight.

6.      After making the first row of hitches, continue weaving the thread between the new segments you’ve created and make a hitch in the middle of each one.

7.      The circle you weave will become smaller and smaller. As this happens, pull the thread tighter and tighter.

Step 3: Finishing the Web.

Once you have gotten to the middle of the web and it’s a tiny circle, tie the end of the thread over the place where you would have made the final hitch. Make a double knot to make sure it stays and doesn’t come undone. Pull tightly and snip off the end.

Step 4: Adding Feathers.

To add a feather, tie a new piece of string around the base of the feather, and make sure it is secure. Tie the other end to the dream catcher; use a double knot to ensure security. Snip off any extra strings. If you want to add beads, make sure they are placed on the sting before you tie it off onto the dream catcher.